Middletown Elks Lodge looking for help with their Halloween celebration

Published 7:42 pm, Monday, August 26, 2013

MIDDLETOWN >> The Elks Lodge is calling for help from businesses and families for their Halloween event.

The fifth running of the event, the Lodge began the event to provide area children with a safe haven in which to trick or treat.

“It all started because of Elk members realizing that in today’s society, a lot of parents have that fear of sending their kids out into neighborhoods,” David Greaves, an organizer for the event, said. “We wanted to make a safe haven for parents and kids to enjoy Halloween.”

The event, hosted in the Crystal Ballroom above the Lodge at 44 Maynard St. on Halloween night, brings together businesses and families hosting tables that represent houses. Children move from table to table collecting candy.

The Elks provide tables and bags of candy although the candy comes from donations. Businesses are encouraged to bring decorations for their tables and more candy.

However, in the last two years, the event has faced the tough battle of inclement weather. With two bad storms, the Lodge had to postpone the event.

Regardless, Greaves said they have kept strong and hope this year to beat their previous record of between 15 to 18 businesses and families setting up tables.

“I’m baffled over the last four years that we haven’t had more businesses step up. Here is a fabulous opportunity to promote your local business. We have had several very gracious companies who donate financially because they could not be there at the event,” said Greaves.

Approximately over 2,500 parents and children have attended the event in the past, according to Greaves.

“As we move ahead, we are keeping our fingers crossed that Mother Nature chooses to take a break this year with the crazy weather,” Greaves said.

The event will go on however whether it be on the Thursday night of Halloween or the following Saturday if it’s bad weather. Mild rain or snow will not postpone the event.

“If I could hit 20 [tables] this year, I would be ecstatic. It would mean we’ve exceeded what we’ve done in the past. Filling all 30 [tables] would be a miracle,” Greaves said.

The Elks accept financial donations toward the event and also donations of candy as long as it is still wrapped in its original packages.

“I’m proud of businesses, families, and Elk members that have stood up to make this a fantastic event no matter what Mother Nature has thrown at us,” Greaves said.

Greaves also mentioned that the event is open for high school volunteers.

“Becasuse the Elks are a not for profit, this is a great opportunity for high schoolers who have to have community hours to graduate to grab some community hours as well,” Greaves said. “Members from Middletown High, Xavier and Mercy have come in. We give them their letter for the amount of hours and help them for that.”

Anyone interested in hosting a table or donating to the event can call Greaves at 860-205-8055 or call the Elks Lodge at 860-346-8771.